Ol' Buddy Loves to Ride

It's been so hot since summer began that I dared not let Ol' Buddy (our little black mutt) ride with me in the truck.
But a front moved through Friday evening and dumped four inches or rain in the area. As the clouds moved off to the east, it took the brutally hot weather with it.
All the rain put the grass in overdrive so I decided to mow the farm. When I reached for the gas can, it was near empty so I tossed it in the back of the truck.
Ol' Buddy watches me like a hawk whenever I move toward the truck and this morning he stood nearby looking pensively. I realized that it was cool enough for him to ride, so I said let's go Buddy.
He bolted toward the driver's side. He's so short, I have to boost him up into the seat, but when I picked him up he licked my face. He is one dog that had rather ride than eat.
I rolled my window down and leaned over to the passenger side and rolled his window down half way. He's never tried to jump out, but I always err on the side of safety.
The country store is about five miles away and I was in no particular hurry. The sky was deep blue with no trace of haze. A few puffs of cloud were scattered like cotton tumbleweeds.
I leaned out the window to the wind in my face. It felt good to be alive.
When I looked over, Ol' Buddy had put his front paws on the armrest to get his nose closer to the opening. His ears flapped and he yipped a few times which I took to be his confirmation that in fact it is good to be alive.
I pumped that gas into my can and went in to pay the clerk. I looked over from the register and they had those giant Slim Jims.
Once back in the truck, I peeled back the wrapper and bit off a piece for Ol' Buddy. I think I can safely say that he was one happy mutt.